The New York State Board of Regents (the Regents) are responsible for the general supervision of all educational activities within the state, presiding over the University of the State of New York and the SED. The Regents' regulations carry the same impact as laws enacted by the state legislature for public schools.

The Speaker of the New York State Assembly oversees the appointment of the Regents, a seventeen volunteer member board elected by the legislature. Members serve for a five-year term. The Regents include one member from each of the state's thirteen judicial districts and four at-large members. The Regents elects its chancellor and appoints the Commissioner of Education.

Click the link "Current Members of the Board of Regents" to the left for contact information. Currently, Roger Tilles represents the Nassau-Suffolk region.

New York State Education Department (SED)

The New York State Education Department (SED) is responsible for the supervision of all public schools in the state including The University of the State of New York. SED is one of the most complete, interconnected systems of educational services in the country. SED has the following main branches each under the direction of the Commissioner of Education, MaryEllen Elia.